'You're not alone': Internet lends support to John Fetterman as he says he feared going public about mental health struggles would 'end' his career

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: In a candid revelation, Democratic Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman shared the fears he harbored about the potential end of his political career when he sought treatment for depression at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Speaking on NBC's 'Meet the Press', Fetterman voiced his uncertainty about the impact on his family and career, recalling the moment when news of his treatment became a headline.

"Well, when it got released where I was and where it was going, it was a big story," Fetterman said during the aired segment.

"And so, I had assumed that that would be the end of my career. And I don’t know what that – what kind of impact that would have on my family or anything, so I – I really didn’t know what would happen at that point."

Openness amid uncertainty

When questioned by NBC's Kristen Welker about the decision to speak openly about his mental health struggles, especially last February during his stay at Walter Reed, Fetterman said his goal was to make a difference.

"And it would be my goal to… if somebody could hear this kind of a message and this conversation that we’re having might make a different choice," he shared.

Acknowledging the potential risks to his political career, Fetterman stated, "I’m sure I never thought at any point in my life that it would be a career boon to talk about these kinds of topics."

"But I – I wanted to be fully honest and to let everybody – if they’re being honest about themselves, if they’re living in a blue county or a red county, either it’s themselves, or they know somebody or love somebody that struggles from this kind of an issue," he continued.

He went on to describe his struggles with depression, revealing that he had "dark conversations" with himself about self-harm, leading to his decision to seek treatment.

Describing a particularly challenging time in December 2022, he explained how he reached a point where he couldn't get out of bed, impacting his family.

"People hear all their lives about ‘I can’t get out of bed,’ and you really can’t understand what that really means. You can’t get out of bed until it happens to you. And it did," Fetterman shared with Welker.

"And I was scaring my children, and they were confused," he added. "And, of course, my wife was concerned, and I think she understands better than the kids did."

Despite the personal challenges, Fetterman reinforced his commitment to mental health advocacy, serving on the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus. He expressed a desire to "expand the awareness" surrounding mental health struggles and combat the stigma associated with seeking help.

Addressing skeptics, Fetterman stated, "And I would say to the biggest skeptic in the world: ‘I was that person. Oh, it’s not going to work. It’s not going to change. This is how I’ve always been.’ But I was wrong. And it does work."

"And if it can work for me – because I was absolutely convinced that there is no coming back – then that means, I think, it would be applicable to 99% of people out there that could hear this," he added.

Nearly a year after his stay at Walter Reed, Fetterman remains dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues.

"It’s a risk that I wanted to take because I wanted to help people and know that I don’t want them to suffer the way – or put any kinds of despair that I’ve been in. And if that conversation helps, then that’s – I’m going to continue to do that," he insisted.

Internet reacts to Fetterman's mental health struggles

The embattled senator received an outpouring of support on social media.

"You're not alone, John. We're proud of you," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"I agree don't be ashamed to reach out for help," another wrote.

"Good man. Decent man. Sad that they’re in such short supply these days," someone else added.

"I wish you recovery and the rest of your life will be well spent with your family and loved ones," another offered.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.